Whitney Houston’s posthumous gospel album centers focus on strong faith roots
Tamala Greene // Gospel // EEW Magazine Online
Whitney Houston, right, and Courtney B. Vance, left in the 1996 film, “The Preacher’s Wife” (Photo Credit: David Lee, Touchstone Pictures)
Eleven years ago, music tragically lost one of its most successful and iconic vocalists at age 48, Whitney Houston. But the posthumous release of the star’s collection of gospel songs centers focus on her strong faith roots and deeply held values.
The “I Go to the Rock” songstress who grew up singing with her mother, Cissy Houston, at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, included at least one gospel song on her set list at nearly every single concert—a testament to her love of God.
"Gospel was the center of her gravity," Pat Houston, Whitney's sister-in-law, told USA Today. "She always said, 'Wherever I go, it doesn't matter. I will always tell the world of the love that I have from Jesus.' And she was able to bring God's word to a broader audience through her music."
Before accidentally drowning in a bathtub on the eve of the Grammys at the Beverly Hilton in California, Whitney talked to Pat about doing a gospel project. Now, the late singer's dream has been realized with the recent release of I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston, a 15-track album and accompanying DVD that celebrates her roots in the genre.
The album features songs from "The Preacher's Wife" and "The Bodyguard" soundtracks, and an additional six never-before-released recordings. The documentary special, hosted by Whitney's dear friend and collaborator, gospel great Cece Winans, showcases 10 of her most memorable gospel performances on television.
"Whitney's an incredible singer, but she just seemed to come alive with that music," said Barry Jennings, producer of the project. "I was impressed that she did gospel music on all these programs like 'Saturday Night Live,' so obviously, gospel was very near and dear to her."
Gary Houston said his late sister’s gospel songs serve as evidence that God “definitely used her while she was here.” He also noted, “There was a conviction when she sang songs that had to do with her beliefs."
Pat, President and CEO of Whit Nip Inc. and Whitney Houston Enterprises, shared a special memory underscoring the central nature of Whitney’s Christian faith. "I remember her mother giving her a Bible back in 1987. After all those years, she was still holding on to it. And in that Bible was an (inscription) her mother wrote that said, 'Never forget who you belong to.'"
Pat continued, "No matter the trials and tribulations that she had in life, she knew she could pray and how powerful prayer was. We all fall short in life, but she knew where her strength came from.”
Whitney Houston’s I Go To The Rock is out now.
